Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Sept 2 2004
PARTICIPANTS OF THE 7TH ECONOMIC SUMMIT OF THE EURASIAN STATES
[September 02, 2004, 17:56:44]
Dear Conference participants,
I extend my cordial greetings to you, the participants of the 7th
Economic Summit of the Eurasian States and wish success to the
Summit.
The Economic Summit of the Eurasian States has already become
traditional and contributed to the development of economic,
political, humanitarian and cultural relations among our states and
peoples. Along with the Turkic states, participation of
representatives of the leading European and Asian countries, as well
as the leading international organizations in the Summit gives reason
to tell that the Summit will be important for perspective discussions
and initiatives.
The national leader of Azerbaijan, late President Heydar Aliyev
constantly interested in the Eurasian summits arranged by the
“Marmara” Group, duly appreciated positive impact the summits were to
have on mutual cooperation among the regional states. Therefore,
Azerbaijan was provided with all conditions to represent in these
Summits, the President addressed with congratulation message to the
participants of these events, told his suggestions on state of the
regional cooperation and prospects. Taking into account Heydar
Aliyev’s contributions in strengthening of the political, economic
and cultural links of the Turkic states and Eurasian countries, the
permanent organizer of the summits – “Marmara” Group of the Strategic
and Social Studies Vagf had elected him as its honorary Chairman. You
can be sure that this line pursued by our national leader will be
ultimately continued, the management of Azerbaijan will use every
chance to ensure development of bilateral and regional cooperation,
peace and security in the region.
The Economic Summit of the Eurasian States is of great importance in
the period of vast globalization and integration processes in the
world. Realities of the present world require close economic,
humanitarian and cultural relations of all states and nations, to
ensure security of whole states and separate peoples with joint
efforts, jointly combat against aggressive separatism, terror and
wars. From this point of view, it will be significant in the Summit
to make essential proposals for analysis of the economic,
humanitarian and political relations among the regional states and
solution of the existing problems.
I would like with great pleasure to note that today the relations
between Azerbaijan and Turkey are successfully developing in all
fields. Our states are strategic allies. Businessmen of Turkey are
represented in all fields in Azerbaijan – oil sector, agriculture,
production and service. The economic-geographic position of the two
states is so that not a single regional cooperation project can be
realized without their participation. Position of the Azerbaijan
State is that all the Eurasian countries should maximum benefit from
the regional opportunities for the welfare of their peoples.
In the second decade of its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan
actively takes part in the regional and international integration and
cooperation processes. Also taking active part in combat against
terrorism, regional safety and cooperation makes its contribution to
the new world where the universal values, peace and cooperation will
rule. Except Armenia that has occupied lands of Azerbaijan, our
country sets equal links with all the regional and world states,
mutually beneficial economic and cultural ties, is one of the main
initiators and organizers in realization of a number of international
economic-power projects. The greatest power project of the century,
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, the architect of which was the late President of
Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, is a reality. We shall soon celebrate the
commissioning of the BTC MEP together with you. We also do all the
necessary works for realization of another huge project called the
“Great Silk Road” and uniting Europe and Asia, and establishment of
transport-communications lines and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline.
The works on both projects successfully goes on. I am convinced that
these projects with serious influence on regional cooperation will
bring us closer and closer.
Once again I wish success to the work of the Summit, hope that it
will have positive impact on regional and international cooperation.
Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, 31 August 2004